English–Chinese
“beckon” in Chinese
Chinese
Pronunciation
Pinyinzhāo shǒu
Example
下课后，老师在门口对学生招手让他们先走。xià kè hòu lǎo shī zài mén kǒu duì xué shēng zhāo shǒu ràng tā men xiān zǒu
After class, the teacher beckoned to the students at the door to let them go first.
How to say “beckon” in Chinese
“Beckon” in Chinese is 招手 (zhāo shǒu).
A hand motion that catches someone's attention, calls them closer, or sends a visible signal.
Example sentences with 招手
服务员向我们招手，示意可以点菜。fú wù yuán xiàng wǒ men zhāo shǒu shì yì ké yǐ diǎn cài
The server beckoned to us, signaling that we could order.
Tips for using 招手
- English speakers often connect "wave" with greeting, but this Chinese word also covers a gesture that calls someone over or signals them from a distance.